Paul Lambert is getting set to pit his wits against Spurs chief Andre Villas-Boas at the weekend.

The Villa boss admitted that competition for places is hotting up going into Sunday's top-flight enocunter.

The competition amongst the forwards is particuarly fierce.

Darren Bent has scored in consecutive Barclays Premier League games, Gabby Agbonlahor and Christian Benteke are in impressive form and Andreas Weimann has just earned his first call-up to the senior Austria squad.

There was also a boost for new signing Jordan Bowery this week as he scored his first goal for the club in the U21 clash against Tottenham.

Meanwhile, Enda Stevens is back in training following a hamstring injury but Stephen Ireland, Richard Dunne and long-term absentee Gary Gardner are still out.